South Coast Business Alliance to hold benefit for the Children's Advocacy Center of Bristol County

Wednesday

Sep 29, 2010 at 12:01 AMSep 30, 2010 at 11:59 AM

FALL RIVER — The Children's Advocacy Center of Bristol County recently observed the third anniversary of its founding with news of its many accomplishments, but also sobering statistics and a clear directive to continue its mission to help children victimized by sexual and physical abuse.

FALL RIVER — The Children's Advocacy Center of Bristol County recently observed the third anniversary of its founding with news of its many accomplishments, but also sobering statistics and a clear directive to continue its mission to help children victimized by sexual and physical abuse.

Noting that nearly 1,000 children and their families from across Bristol County have been helped by the CAC in just three years, CAC Executive Director Michelle Loranger explained the national and local scope of the problem and how the CAC has succeeded in bringing much-needed service and care to some of the county's most vulnerable residents.

"National statistics tell us that one in four girls and one in six boys will be the victim of sexual abuse by the time they reach 18," she said. "Ninety percent of children are sexually abused by someone they know, love and trust. And national statistics show that 60 percent of parents/caretakers of child victims have been victims themselves. Our Bristol County statistics show comparable data in all these areas. And yet, we know that not all cases come to the CAC and that childhood sexual abuse is underreported. "

Established in 2007 in Fall River to work with families throughout Bristol County, the Children's Advocacy Center provides comprehensive forensic, health and medical, and support services to children who have been victims of sexual abuse. Working closely with a number of area agencies, law enforcement, and the District Attorney's office, the center provides direct services to children and families in communities from Easton to Fairhaven. It has also reached thousands more at health fairs and other outreach forums with prevention materials, and sexual assault, personal safety, and child protection information.

The CAC's services to victims and their families have been felt in every corner of Bristol County. Here's the breakdown of cases by area for the past three years:

Greater New Bedford (New Bedford, Dartmouth, Fairhaven, Acushnet): 35% of all cases referred to the

Today, said Ms. Loranger, the CAC provides services that are coordinated, housed in one location, and delivered by a team of trained staff who provide an array of services. But prior to its opening in 2007, already traumatized families were further stressed by fragmented and sometimes far-flung services. "Many of these families were not able to travel to connect with specialty services," she said. "Children were interviewed in inadequate facilities or locations not geared to children, such as police stations, hospital emergency rooms, or ill-equipped office space. Additionally, the team was often limited to those with investigative responsibilities. There was a lack of coordinated approach to connection of families in community services, and more importantly, someone to follow up with them to ensure appropriate connection."

South Coast Business Alliance's 5th annual "New Bedford Oktoberfest" will be held on Saturday, Oct. 2 to benefit Children's Advocacy Center of Bristol County, at Custom House Square in New Bedford.

The fest, from 3 to 11 p.m., will feature a menu of Oktoberfest brews by 12 regional breweries, local beers, brats, fresh seafood, and other treats, plus music by local, regional and national favorites, including The Woodrow Wilsons, J. Kelley Band, Rebecca Correia Band, Inside the Avalanche, Craig DeMelo Band, Gavin Castleton, and others.

Net proceeds from the event will benefit the Children's Advocacy Center and the Community Foundation.

Tickets are $20 in advance, or $25 at the door. Advance tickets are available at Cardoza's Wine and Spirits in Fairhaven, Dartmouth and Fall River; and the Rose Alley Ale House and Pizans Pizzeria in New Bedford. For more information, contact Oktoberfest Committee Chairman Nick Francis at (508) 965-3624, or e-mail info@scballiance.com.